Paralel, Serial Or USB?

Depending on which Wireless Print Server you choose, it will support either Paralel, Serial and/or USB printers.  One of the key compatibillity issues for USB printers is the version of USB used. Check to make sure your Wireless/USB print server supports USB 1.1, 2.0 or Both. The key is to make sure it supports whatever USB standard your printer uses.

You will also need the appropriate Paralel, Serial or USB cable to connect your printer to the print server.  Get a cable that is long enough to allow you to position the print server where it will not be shielded by to many dense objects/walls.

802.11b or 802.11G?

Your existing wireless environment also factors in. If you have an existing wireless access point/router, it will likely support either 802.11b or 802.11g or both. Once again, older wireless print servers may only work with 802.11b. The same goes for older access points/routers. You will want a wireless print server that supports the same wireless standard(s) as your access point/router.

If you don't have an access point/router and simply want to print wirelessly in a Peer-to-Peer (Laptop/Desktop > Wireless Print Server) arrangement, make sure your wireless print server supports Peer-to-Peer printing. Most do. The same issues with 802.11b/802.11g apply. Make sure your computer uses the same wireless standard(s).

Wireless Printers

Another option is to upgrade your printer to one that comes with wireless printing support built in!  Wireless printers are great printers for small offices or homes, where they can be centrally located and used by everyone!

Other Considerations

You will also want to connect both the printer and wireless print server to a surge protector.  Power fluctuations (surges/spikes/sags) are a leading cause of electronic equipment malfunctions.

Multifunction Printers:  If you are buying a print server, it's important to know if your printer is supported. Some printers, especially older printers and multifunction printers (print/scan/copy/fax) may NOT be supported or will ONLY be supported for printing functions.